Learning Disability Today, December 2009

Lizzie puts her heart into it

Singer Lizzie Emeh told the press launch of her solo album that she aims to fly the flag” for the people with learning disabilities.

Emeh, 32, was speaking at the Royal Festival Hall on the eve of a nationwide tour lasting until March.

She said sometimes people with learning disabilities were not vocal enough. “But then they don’t get listened to, and that’s not fair. I want to see more people celebrate their lives! I am proud to be the first person with learning disabilities to bring out a solo album. I hope I can inspire other people.”

Emeh said she wanted to show it was possible to
Overcome problems. “I feel people with learning disabilities don’t get to live in the real world. “They tell us: ‘you can’t have a relationship’. But do you know what - you can!

Sometimes it works out for the best. Sometimes it doesn’t. I‘ve been there.”

One of her songs about the breakup of a relationship called Over You includes the lines: “I need to carry on, I need to stay strong for me…”

Emeh said she owed a lot to Heart n Soul, the London- based arts organisation which has supported her. They helped her deal with the pressure of performing and advised her on how to avoid the pitfalls that Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle encountered.

“I want to carry on as I have other songs in my head that I am going to write” she said.

“My message to people with learning disabilities is: live your life the way you want to!”